The controversy-hit sound and light (Sonnet E Lumiere) show at the Mysore Palace, which was suspended immediately after it was launched by Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa on January 3, 2009, following exception taken by Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar over the script, lighting and audio of the show, will soon entertain tourists as the hurdles for the much-hyped show have been cleared.

The original script had been written by linguist Lingadevaru Halemane, which was opposed by Mr. Wadiyar. Following this, a three-member committee of experts headed by historian Suryanath Kamath was appointed to make modifications to the script. Nevertheless, another committee, under Sebastian Joseph of the Department of History in the University of Mysore, was formed to examine the revised script in view of Mr. Wadiyar's reported reservations, and recommend modifications for suitable incorporation.

As Mr. Wadiyar had sought a personal presentation by way of preview to ascertain if the changes to the script had been incorporated or not, Palace Board Deputy Director P.V. Awaradi made the presentation of the script that was revised again and also explained him the steps taken to improve technical aspects of the show.

“Mr. Wadiyar has approved the script which was revised again. He has given his consent to go ahead with the show based on this script. Also, the Department of Tourism has given its nod. Deputy Commissioner and Board Member-Secretary P. Manivannan has approved recording of the script. With this development, the show will become a reality soon,” Mr. Awaradi said.

Talking to The Hindu, he said the show in Kannada version would be launched within a month and the shows in Hindi and English would follow.

“We have addressed Mr. Wadiyar's concerns. He has been apprised of the changes made to script, with presentations on two occasions,” he informed.

Mr. Wadiyar had earlier expressed displeasure that the quality of voice used for the narration (in the inaugural show) was poor and the light was gaudy. He had sought overhauling of the audio and the lighting aspect of the programme. The members of the expert panel visited Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Golconda Fort in Andhra Pradesh to examine the sound and light shows there. “The technical issues in lighting and other issues have been addressed,” Mr. Awaradi said.

The original script came under the scanner as it was perceived that the royal family of Mysore had been sidelined and the contribution of Chamaraja Wadiyar, Mummadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar and Nalwudi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, reckoned to be makers of modern Mysore, had been ignored.

It has been reliably learnt that the script revised yet again would highlight the contribution of Wadiyars and traces the history and cultural heritage of Mysore through narration accompanied by attractive lighting on the palace during the show.

Courtesy : The Hindu